Record Number of Children Homeless in England

Strategic Insights -

Charities and government officials are sounding the alarm about the surge in children living in temporary accommodation in England, with over 172,000 children in this situation as of the end of June. This marks an eight percent increase from the previous year, with 132,410 homeless households in temporary accommodation across the country. In Bassetlaw, 15 children were homeless and living in temporary accommodation, down from 45 a year earlier.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 172,420 children were homeless in England as of the end of June, an eight percent increase from the previous year.
  • This marks the highest number of children homeless since records began.
  • There were 132,410 homeless households in temporary accommodation across the country, including 84,240 with dependent children.
  • In Bassetlaw, 15 children were homeless and living in temporary accommodation, down from 45 a year earlier.
  • Charities are calling on the government to unfreeze housing benefit and publish its homelessness strategy.
  • The government has committed to investing £1 billion in 2025-26 to tackle the root causes of homelessness, including £84 million to prevent homelessness this winter.

Statistics:

  • 172,420 children were homeless in England as of the end of June (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government).
  • 132,410 homeless households were in temporary accommodation across the country (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government).
  • 84,240 homeless households had dependent children (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government).
  • 15 children were homeless and living in temporary accommodation in Bassetlaw as of the end of June (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government).
  • The number of children homeless in England has increased by eight percent compared to the previous year (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government).
  • The government has committed to preventing homelessness with £84 million in 2025-26 (Alison McGovern MP).
  • The government plans to build 1.5 million homes and invest £39 billion in the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (Alison McGovern MP).

Sources:

  • "Record high number of children homeless in England and Wales" (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government).
  • Interview with Mairi MacRae, director of campaigns and policy at Shelter.
  • Interview with Dr Lisa Doyle, head of policy and public affairs at Centrepoint.
  • Interview with Alison McGovern MP (Lab), homelessness minister.